 | Operated by Dexter and Southfield Schools, the Clay Center for Science and Technology is a state-of-the-art astronomical observatory and learning center. In addition to the observatory's seven research-grade telescopes, this five story building contains sophisticated computer and science laboratories, a multi-media lecture hall, classrooms, dining, and meeting spaces, and a solar energy roof deck. We invite you to use this site to learn more about the Clay Center and its programs. You may join the Friends of the Clay Center to receive special news and invitations to events.
The Clay Center was named in recognition of the generous support of Lavinia and Landon Clay. |
 ARRL School Radio Club Roundup
2/13/2012
to 2/17/2012
Clay Center Amateur Radio Club - National Event - To make long distance radio contacts with club stations that are part of a school or college.
• Contest Objective-
To exchange QSO information with club stations that are part of an elementary, middle, or high school or college. Non-school clubs and individuals are encouraged to participate.
• There are two School Club Roundups each year. Each 5-day event runs Monday through Friday from 1300 UTC Monday through 2359 UTC Friday. You may operate no more than 6 hours in every 24-hour period, and a maximum of 24 hours in the event.
Winter/Spring Term: The second full school week of February.
Fall Term: The third full school week of October.
• All amateur bands except 60, 30, 17 and 12 meters are permitted.
On VHF and UHF, repeaters are not to be used. Only recognized simplex frequencies may be used. US examples include 144.90-145.00; 146.49, .55, 58; and 147.42, .45, .48, .51, .54 and .57 MHz. The national calling frequency, 146.52 MHz, may not be used. Similar restrictions apply in other countries.
Suggested HF Frequencies:
Phone (MHz): 1.855-1.865; 3.850-3.880; 7.225-7.255; 14.250-14.280; 21.300-21.330; 28.440-28.460
CW (MHz): 1.800-1.810; 3.530-3.540; 7.030-7.040; 14.030-14,.040; 21.130-21.140; 28.130-28.140
• For contest information contact contests@arrl.org or (860) 594-0232 or scr@limarc.org
• Certificates: The top three entries in each category will be issued an Award Certificate.
The School Club Roundup entry categories are:
Elementary School
Middle School
High School
College/University
Non-school club or multi-op group
Individual
DX will be listed separately at the end of US entries in each category. If requested, a validated certificate will be issued for any station contacting 10 or more school clubs. Please include a mailing label and sufficient postage or IRCs. You may print your own Certificate of Participation. Download the certificate PDF file and fill in your school/club information. Or if you prefer, send an address label and four units of return postage.
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Amateur Radio Club
3/27/2012
7:00 PM to 8:30 PM
Welcome to the Clay Center Amateur Radio Club (CC-ARC)
Club Call Sign: W1CLA - Repeater frequency 446.325 MHz (- duplex, PL 146.2) - (IRLP: 4942) (Echolink: 4942, W1CLA-R)
Have you ever listened to short-wave radio signals from a distant country, heard people talking, and wished you could talk with them?
Come learn about this fascinating, life-long hobby enjoyed by millions around the world. We welcome those who would like to learn about Amateur Radio (Ham Radio) through our evening classes, explore radio communications and electronics, and even perhaps go for a Technician Class license from the FCC. Through its club activities and/or radio communications, the Clay Center Amateur Radio Club (CC-ARC) strives to introduce school students, summer campers, and their families to radio electronics and the art of radio communications.
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Brookline Adult and Community Education
3/27/2012
7:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Introduction to Astronomy Section 1. Registration is handled through the BA&CE web site. Location: Clay Center
Contact: 
The Clay Center is pleased to collaborate with Brookline Adult and Community Education (BA&CE). There are two sections of two classes, each 2 hours long. After classes end, participants are invited to stay on for more telescope time during the public telescope sessions. Registration is handled through the BA&CE web site. Go to their web site to see the class details or to register.
Introduction to Astronomy at the Clay Center Observatory Clay Center Astronomers Brookline's Clay Center Observatory has a world-class, research-grade telescope. This course is for stargazers, serious astronomers, or those who love to ponder mysteries beyond the blue sky. In Section 01 our focus will be on observational astronomy. We will learn about identifying constellations and landmark stars, sky navigation, star magnitudes and colors, Earth's seasons and phases of the moon. We will cover the basics of reflecting and refracting telescopes, how to calculate telescope magnification and why this should not be the deciding factor in a purchase. Weather permitting, we will use the Clay Center's 25" research-grade and other telescopes. If time permits, students may bring their own telescopes to learn to setup, adjust and find object their favorite, or favorite-to-be, sky objects. This course is held at Brookline's Clay Center Observatory. Section 02
This course is for beginning and intermediate stargazers, or those who love to ponder mysteries beyond the blue sky. We will touch on questions about our solar system, galaxy and the universe.
. Asteroids - how safe are we on Earth? How amateur astronomers make their own backyard discoveries and contribute data to science.
. Other Earths - new discoveries, how they did it, and what lies ahead?
. Our Sun - exploring beyond the yellow ball in the sky.
. Students will be able to use various instruments at the Clay Center Observatory, including the 25-inch research telescope, various portable telescopes and spectroscopes.
This course is held at Brookline's Clay Center Observatory.
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Public Telescope Night
3/27/2012
7:00 PM to 8:30 PM
Open from 7:00 to 8:30 pm. Sunset is 7:05 pm. Moon is up 23% illuminated. Jupiter Mars, and Venus are up; Saturn rises.
Dress warmly. If weather is questionable, call 617-454-2795 one hour before the event for a recorded message.
Other attractions:
- If you arrive at the opening time, we will have a guided tour of the fiber-optics-lit Stars Court and the Moon Phases Court. NASA Space Shuttle tire is on display in the lobby. We will pass around a real meteorite and sometimes other attractions from the space collection.
- On Level 5 for attendees will be the Planetary Scales, Mars Rover Arm, and 3-D Space display.
- Usually we will have the North Roof Deck open for views of the city and for people to use small telescopes.
- Usually we will have the Amateur Radio Room available for those who want to try out HAM Radio.
- Usually we will have a lesson and demonstration of Stellarium, a free downloadable software you can use at home.
- If there are any specific satellite events to see, such as an International Space Station (ISS) flyover or an Iridium satellite flare, we will take people to the roof decks to show and explain the events.
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Environmental Club Hosts ENVIROFEST 2012
4/1/2012
3:00 PM to 5:00 PM
The Dexter and Southfield Environmental Club and Upper School students host a special event for environmental awareness. E-recycle your old computers, see science exhibits, and more. See Envirofest Web Page for details.
Contact:
* Family event - Activities for all ages
* Free E-recycling of computers and electronics ($10 for TVs)
* See award-winning videos on latest environmental solutions
* Awareness-raising demonstrations and hands-on fun activities
* Free spruce tree seedlings to take home and plant
* Free CFL energy saving light bulb for first 50 families
* Ride a Segway - a two-wheel electric vehicle
* Arrive in your EV or Hybrid Vehicle and show it off
* Door prizes and more...
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